I know there are some people like myself who actually like Sense and doing a 'full' root can be daunting, especailly if all you want to do is remove the crud that Vodafone or your Telco install on your branded Legend. But there is no reason this can't be used to remove apps that are in a custom ROM - as far as I am aware! If someone with a custom ROM could confirm this, that would be great!
Righto, as per usual here is the disclaimer - doing this is risky and you do so at your own peril! Don't come crying to me or Paul @ MoDaCo if it bricks your phone (it shouldn't but this is just a warning)
Enough of that you get the idea Now for the fun bit!
First if you are not you'll need VISIONary+ from MoDaCo, at the time of this writing r13 is the latest and is available on page 7.
Please read and check the original post as there may be an updated version. If you are rooted skip to the next step.
This is Paul's guide he done quickly on his G2, it's more of a pictorial guide (same rules apply to the Legend as G2 in this case).
Once installed use the Temproot option, this can take 15 seconds or so to complete, use a Terminal Emulator and type su then return/enter and your $ should change to a # - this means you have temproot.
Go to the market and install SuperUser, Titanium Backup, BusyBox.
Open Titanium Backup allowing it root access when prompted, go to Backup/Restore and scroll to find one of the preinstalled bloatware apps, I chose the Vodafone Music app and the Vodafone Web app.
Long hold on the app you want to remove and scroll down a bit and choose the option "Force remove app (by recovery exploit)"
This will reboot your phone TWICE, you will get the recovery screen up - LET IT RUN IT's COURSE! DO NOT INTERRUPT THIS.
Once it boots back into your normal check that the app is no longer in your App drawer
Repeat for all the Apps that came preinstalled that you don't want, just be careful you don't remove anything that may still be needed!
A huge thanks to Paul at MoDaCo for this ingenious hack and the Titanium Backup, BusyBox and SuperUser developers for their hard work in writing their apps which also allow us to easy do this
Oh and you can use the Temproot on boot to have a sortof but not fully permaroot
Great work. I'll try on CM 6.1 RC1. One thing though...If I'm rooted I presume I need only the Titanium backup not VISIONary or other tools, right?
Yes you need the other apps, but you can remove them afterwards if you want. You'll need SuperUser to be able to grant Titanium Backup access, and Titanium Backup requires BusyBox to be installed - Titanium Backup gives you the option to install BusyBox if you press the 'Problems?' button under the Overview tab.
PS: you can use the free version of Titanium Backup for this exercise.
Yes, thank you. I knew about busybox and the option to install it from Titanium. SuperUser I have it already since I'm using CyanogenMod RC1 and it is included in the ROM (I think it is OK like this). So only Titanium (+busybox) needs to be installed.
I'll give it a try and let you know the results. I'll try to remove a rather large application (for ex Google Maps) and I'll install it afterward on the sdcard (since it is system appl, it cannot be moved directly to sdcard)
Later edit: IT WORKS! So I've tried to (and succeeded) remove 2 "system" applications: Google Maps and Calculator. Both were removed and the free space is now available (before 80 Mb free, after 91.2 Mb free).
There was only one issue with Maps, the icon still showed up in the application drawer and it was working (even after going through all above). After several checks I found the reason. The Maps were installed twice...the version included in the CM ROM (that was deleted by this procedure) AND the updated Maps (it once asked for upgrading the application from the market and I did that). After removing the "system installed" version of Google Maps, the "updates" remained. I went to Settings-Applications-Manage Applications and I found Maps there. I've uninstalled the updates then rebooted the phone. After that the icon was gone completely.
To conclude, for CM ROMS (or for all phones that are already rooted and have already the SU application), the steps to be performed for removing a system appl are:
1. Install Titanium Backup
2. Press (as instructed) "Problems" button. This will install a working version of busybox.
3. Check if the application you want to remove, has also updates (from Market or some other places) installed. If YES, go to Settings-Applications-Manage Applications and uninstall all the updates.
4. Start Titanium Backup and perform the steps indicated in the first post by TheLegendaryJay.
So it is working on custom ROM's as well and you don't need VISIONary or other application/tools.
All credits go to Paul, CM team and this whole community, the ones which made such things possible for our phones. TheLegendaryJay, thank you also for sharing this with us. Perhaps for rooted phones it is easier to remove applications with adb commands, but some are maybe not so technical to install the SDK or know how to use it (I can be counted as one of them), or they just might want to remove an application when they don't have a pc with SDK nearby.
yap, can confirm this. works great on cm 6.1 rc1. thanks for the hint
For you guys who are rooted - why not just flash the overlay filesystem patch, enable it, and then use any file explorer and go to /system/app/ and delete the apps you dont want? just a tip, it's much easier.. (and takes less time)
Because one of the reasons for which I wanted to rip out an application from the ROM is to gain some more space... By using overlay system, as I understood, you're practically duplicate the whole system to make it accessible for writing so I don't know if you gain some more space. Eventually you'll have less. Or, if that space is on the sdcard, that does not suit me also cause as I know, is working slower from there. Anyhow, I don't want to detail this here cause we'll be off-topic.
Rapier said:
Because one of the reasons for which I wanted to rip out an application from the ROM is to gain some more space... By using overlay system, as I understood, you're practically duplicate the whole system to make it accessible for writing so I don't know if you gain some more space. Eventually you'll have less. Or, if that space is on the sdcard, that does not suit me also cause as I know, is working slower from there. Anyhow, I don't want to detail this here cause we'll be off-topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I understand it, the system folder is only linked so the phone believes it's on the SD-card. This should mean, no extra space is taken (except for the few kB that makes this possible). i could be wrong, but I use system overlay and I see no whatsoever decrease in performance. Not in benchmarks nor in usage.
If you are rooted - and dont want system overlay, I still think there is a better wway - ADB! just mount system, cd to system/app, ls it and rm whatever apps ypu dont want.. no need for multiple reboots - quick and effective
adb way might be quicker but it might prove to be ineffective (at least for me it was). In order to remove an application, you must check its filename (with ls command). I've tried to remove Facebook and Twitter applications using adb remove and guess what...they're still there. I admit I might have done something wrong, what I'm saying is that through this new method described above, someone is able to remove an appl by chosing it from a list. For the ones that don't feel so confortable using adb, this is an alternative
Sent from my Legend using XDA App
Rapier said:
adb way might be quicker but it might prove to be ineffective (at least for me it was). In order to remove an application, you must check its filename (with ls command). I've tried to remove Facebook and Twitter applications using adb remove and guess what...they're still there. I admit I might have done something wrong, what I'm saying is that through this new method described above, someone is able to remove an appl by chosing it from a list. For the ones that don't feel so confortable using adb, this is an alternative
Sent from my Legend using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes to ADB, you must write the filename exactly as it is, if you want to remove Facebook.apk you must rm Facebook.apk, not facebook.apk or just rm Facebook*
What I do, I ls all files, copy the filenames I want to remove into into a txt file. ex. "rm facebook.apk Torch.apk voiceDialer.apk AndroidTerm.apk" and so on. When I flash a new rom, i just copy that file string and remove em all with that one command ofc. I ls it after and check if there is anything new I want to remove, but I get rid of most of it in a few seconds. (good tip!)
I understood that. Now I've checked again and I know what happened...the same thing I said above. The appl was removed also with adb command but the updates of that appl were not. I've removed the updates from Settings and after that the whole appl was gone (Facebook in this case). So both metods work, everyone can choose what he likes more
Anyway this was much more to test if it's working on custom ROMs as was asked by TheLegendaryJay and less as of providing an alternate way for rooted owners.
Sent from my Legend using XDA App
You both are wrong. Overlay is just an overlay... it uses several file systems or parts of file systems (directories, files), merge them and show them to us as one new merged file system. The principle is such that if U have one read-only and one read-write file system merged together, all writes are then performed to that read-write one. If you'd like to delete one file from read-only portion, that action is noted on read-write portion and your system doesn't t see that file again through merged file system whereas it is in fact still there...
BlaY0 said:
You both are wrong. Overlay is just an overlay... it uses several file systems or parts of file systems (directories, files), merge them and show them to us as one new merged file system. The principle is such that if U have one read-only and one read-write file system merged together, all writes are then performed to that read-write one. If you'd like to delete one file from read-only portion, that action is noted on read-write portion and your system doesn't t see that file again through merged file system whereas it is in fact still there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this, great info. Now I'm glad I use adb and not file overlay for removing files
Why's that? Overlay is really handy thing for testing... U can make the system think that the file is not there but in fact is. If something goes wrong (boot loop) because of that, U just disable overlay and U R back on with origial state. After U are satisfied with changes, U can merge those changes into read-only file system via recovery mode.
Sent from my HTC Legend
BlaY0, you're totally right. Overlay is a great thing for testing (and by the way many thanks you for what you did). But if you're not a tester, just an enthusiast who look for new stuff for his phone, overlay could be much more than he needs.
I'm looking for example to have as much free space in memory as possible. REAL free space. If I'm using overlay, that will not be gained right? The read only files will still be there, only the overlay will show them "deleted". So...what I'm doing instead is that I'm flashing one of the existing ROMs (as per my preferences - CM 6.1 RC1 for ex.) that will not "brick" my phone, I customize it with widgets and applications as I like, than I start deleting what I don't need. For sure I can use overlay for that, but I can do it also without it. This topic presented an alternative for doing that, to the known adb commands. Also from what I've understood, the method in this topic is more aimed to the ones that are not (or don't want to be) rooted. And for those, the adb method doesn't work
You sure are totally right, but then again if you deleted some apk from /system/app that is needed for some other apk and U didn't know about that, you could end up with a so called boot loop. And if this is done by some noob, the simplest way for him to restore would be to wipe and reflash the original ROM. Overay can prevent such accidents. Actually even with overlay you can save space especially where is needed the most, that's on data partition - there's no need for dex in dalvik-cache any more etc. and surely you get more free ram as that app isn't loading any more. For the system partition it actually doesn't matter if it is full in fact why it shouldn't be full. When we get our S-OFF the first thing I will do is to rearange mtd partitions shrinking system and extending data coz now I have like nearly 50 MB free on system partition that I can not use wisely.
Sent from my HTC Legend
Thanks, VF music and web app not banished from my Legend
Okay, I must be doing something wrong, but I have no idea what. I have the same ROM as Rapier on my Desire, I have Titanium Backup and I did everything he said above. The pre-installed apps are uninstalled with TB (Car app, News and Weather, Facebook, Twitter, Google Voice, Maps, Quickoffice 2.0 which I have no idea what really is), I clear the Dalvik cache and many mega are freed. Then if I reboot, they're back. Like nothing happened.
Do you have any idea or should I give more details? Thanks for the help, guys.
Have you checked also if those applications you're removing do not have some updates installed? Because if they do, you'll get them back on the phone. First remove the updates from each application (from normal "Application" management), then remove the application residing in system with TB.
PS. QuickOffice is a suite program similar with MS Office, that allows you to read (and in the paid version also to write) office documents (.doc, .xls, .ppt...etc)
Thank you for your quick reply.
Yes, I have checked and uninstalled all updates. They are all with the basic version.
About Quickoffice, I know what it is It's just that the one that came with CM 6.1.0 RC1 cannot be accessed, it can only be used to open supported file formats (I just found out after posting here ). I'd prefer the normal Quickoffice with which I can access my dropbox and Google docs too, that's why I wanted to uninstall this in the first place.
I have recently purchased the GT-P1000 in Kuwait. It's unlocked but I don't have admin rights to it. Initially, there was no Android Market but I found the fix for that in another post.
My current dilemma now is I can't seem to get apps to install. The downloads will pause themselves and never install the application. I've had this happen to Angry Birds and Robo Defense.
As of now, I have no desire to flash this device. AFAIK, it's 3g voice/data straight out of the box and I don't want to risk losing those features.
Now, the question is, what's the bare minimum I need to do so I can install apps from Android Market and remove unwanted apps?
So I feel like an idiot now. For some reason, I can now get the apps to download and install: Angry Birds, Robo Defense, ES File Explorer, and Dropbox have installed successfully.
I still would like to remove some apps and install some that will need root access. Can someone confirm that if I root the phone that it won't affect the 3G data/voice capabilities?
ROOTING only gives you su (superuser admin) rights to your phone. It doesnt affect your phone or device functions (unless you mess around somewhere). Rooting gives you ability to access files or functions that vendor has it locked out from you. Sort of like jailbreaking the iphone.
Flashing roms is another thing. Some roms have no support to some functions But since you already own an unbranded non carrier GSM and Not CDMA tab. You shouldnt really worry.
all samsung tabs are different...so in lots oof countries they made some differnces in possibilties.
Try out by going to my weblog and after registering to download thje apks you find in the download section.
Best is to download this on another laptop..and copy the apk to the micro sd card in a folder with your name
then withe a file manager clck on the apk to see if they install
not working.....then you need to root your samsung to make it work
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
weblog rcs on samson-dimov in nl
Read this : http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...top-5-benefits-of-rooting-your-android-phone/
thanks for the info. I didn't think rooting would break anything but my paranoia got the best of me.
I rooted my phone yesterday and was able to install and run apps that need SU rights. I'm still havin trouble removing the apps that came with the Tab. Thoughts anyone?
FYI, I can uninstall apps that I've downloaded from the market.
PepsiBlue said:
I rooted my phone yesterday and was able to install and run apps that need SU rights. I'm still havin trouble removing the apps that came with the Tab. Thoughts anyone?
FYI, I can uninstall apps that I've downloaded from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oho. stock apps cannot be uninstalled. Simplest way to uninstall stock apps is to use Titanium Backup Pro. Before you do that, be sure you backup the app in case you need it again later.
As mentioned in the title, I know there are mainly Cricket users here, I have been reading for a while, but just joined. I am a dev, but am just now getting into Android development, and have just a couple questions. Before I start, I would like to point out that I do have the Sprint images that are available, and will explain my situation. Because Sprint shut down the 2.2 updates, I am currently on 2.1.
I am on my second Zio at the moment, as I loaded the wrong images onto it. (I have both Cricket and Sprint images, and wasnt paying attention). I rooted and started clearing out bloatware, but, I uninstalled a few things that I shouldnt have...I put them back, of course.
Well, I put them back in the /system/app folder, put it back to r/o permission, restarted my phone, and poof...all those apps were missing from both my SD card and the /system/app folder. So now, I cant open my market, load my Google account for syncing, add contacts, etc. In essence, if it doesnt pertain to Google directly, it works. Factory reset does not reload everything.
I wanted to reload the system.img, but I cannot find a decent ROM backup app that I dont have to use the market for- any suggestions?
Second, is there a way I can reload these specific apps, as to get things working how they should? A .zip file, or anything packaging these apps?
I am sorry if these are answered elsewhere, I just have not come across them. Also, sorry for this being so long.
OK, I'm gonna guess you have root explorer or similar and root access... You probably need to change the permissions of the system apps back to 0644 or rw r r then reboot. I personally mess with system apps and their permissions alot. If your phone gives you too much trouble but still boots the system and you have the Android SDK you can do adb shell then chmod 0644 /system/appnamehere.apk then reboot.
Sent from my Zio using XDA App
Yes, I do have Root Explorer. I havent messed a lot with the SDK, but, based on what youre saying, it contains the apps I need to replace? For a bit more insight, the apps that are missing are Google Talk, Google Apps, and Gmail. I tried keeping my system apps as r/w, but that did not help. I also got the .apks of the aforementioned apps, but the installs do not work. I got Google Talk to at least crash, instead of immediately closing, which is what Gmail and the Market do. From what I have been able to do, as I havent been near my system with the SDK on it, changing the permissions does not make a difference. I will keep playing with it and get back with the results.
A special thanks to thecubed for providing us with root access! See his thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/orig-development/root-tmo-vzw-intl-variants-soon-root-lg-t3164765
Following is a list of system apps I have removed without affecting apparent stability or performance. Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any damage you inflict upon your device, proceed at your own risk. I backed up complete copies of my system app folders, and rebooted after each uninstall in case I ran into trouble. I used the uninstall function of Rom Toolbox, and have heard of similar results using Titanuim Backup (including the inability to completely remove the Facebook entries without further intervention.)
Facebook
Instagram
Pages Manager
Lookout
Messenger (Facebook)
Snap Page
com.facebook.system
com.facebook.appmanager
The "com.facebook" entries were a little trickier. When attempting removal they would just downgrade to the factory-installed version, then after a reboot they immediately update themselves silently in the background. I had to remove the folders that held the original versions the apps were reverting to, then remove them again. I have never seen what should be an optional social media app so stubbornly intalled as a system app! Here are the directories I found the originals in:
/system/app/com.facebook.appmanager
/system/priv-app/com.facebook.system
/system/priv-app/lookout
After deleting these folders using a root file explorer (ES File Explorer) I was able to run root uninstalls with Rom Toolbox. I didn't remove anything connected to LG's services, Google's services, or the stock launcher. Only the apps that should have been optional to install in the first place. I hope this helps get some other users started making use of our new root access!
reserved for future add-ons
Thanks for this guide
I deleted a lot more than both you guys but I'm going to leave it as it is because without TWRP it's really playing with fire.
SantinoInc said:
I deleted a lot more than both you guys but I'm going to leave it as it is because without TWRP it's really playing with fire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really interested in that list.... My phone didn't have, half the apps they mentioned. Sprint Ls991. A screen shot...if possible... so you don't have to type all the apps.
I didn't document which apps I deleted. If you send me a list of apps you are wondering if they are safe to remove I will let you know if I deleted it.
Hey,
TL;DR KINGROOT deleted vital apps and components on Vivo XL, what do I do?
So I wanted to root my Vivo XL so I could delete bloatware.
Used KINGROOT, which worked. It said it didn't work, rebooted my phone and I had root. I used KINGROOT to delete most Google apps plus Opera browser, nothing vital. It actually froze them and I proceeded to delete them with Link2SD.
I reboot my phone and it's slow idk why I'm assuming it's the Chinese KINGROOT doing shady things to my phone. I then reboot my phone several minutes later after doing idk what and I'm greeted with a bug that carefree launcher is experiencing an error.
I freak out a little then use the task switch button, see that I had Play Store open, switch to it and install nova launcher.
All seems good but all of a sudden many apps don't work. Puffin, Gmail, Waze all crash on opening. I look with Link2SD and I realize apps that came with the phone are missing.
I try to switch to Super SU using several methods, none worked and I am not rooted now.
I believe I can root again using KINGROOT. But before I try that again I wanted to ask you folks: what should I do?
Forgot to mention, I cannot install apk files, I cannot uninstall apps, the apps section in settings isn't functioning properly. I can only install and delete through the Play Store
flash it
Do this:
drivermobi.zone/2016/08/how-to-flashing-update-blu-vivo-xl-via.html
Get the ROM from here:
mediafire.com/folder/61m7ikt8k97j9/vivo_xl_v0030uu_(twrp)